TLDR
- Hong Kong police warn that betting on overseas sites can still break local gambling laws
- 4,482 people were arrested for serious gambling offenses in 2025
- Fifa named Gibraltar-registered ADI Predictstreet as its official prediction market partner for the 2026 World Cup
- Police warn against using VPNs to access offshore betting platforms
- Young gamblers are at risk of debt, depression, and links to organized crime
Hong Kong police have issued a warning to football fans ahead of the Fifa World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. They say placing bets on foreign websites could still break local gambling laws, even if those sites claim to be legally licensed overseas.
The warning comes as betting activity is expected to rise sharply during the tournament.
Betting on Overseas Sites Still Illegal in Hong Kong
Chief Inspector Wong Yu-fai of the organised crime and triad bureau said some online gambling websites present themselves as legally registered abroad. But he made clear that anyone in Hong Kong who bets on such sites may have already committed an offence under the Gambling Ordinance.
Police said the key factor is whether money actually changes hands between a person and a bookmaker — regardless of where that bookmaker is based.
Officers also warned residents not to use VPNs or other tools to access offshore betting platforms. Using technology to get around restrictions does not make the activity legal, police said.
World Cup Betting Enforcement and Arrest Numbers
Last year, 374 serious gambling offences were recorded, leading to 4,482 arrests. Police recovered over HK$3 million in cash, along with betting records valued at HK$1.1 billion.
That was a slight drop from 2024, when 471 serious gambling offences were recorded and 5,341 people were arrested.
During Euro 2024, 735 people were arrested for gambling offences. At the 2022 World Cup, that number rose to 1,104 arrests. Police say major sporting events consistently drive a spike in illegal betting.
Illegal bookmaking syndicates are increasingly using digital tools to reach punters. Websites, social media, phones, and messaging apps are all being used to take bets and settle payments.
Wong said this has made enforcement harder than in the past, when bookmakers relied on physical contact with their clients. But he said police have the expertise to handle digital cases.
Fifa’s Official Prediction Market Partner
In April, Fifa named ADI Predictstreet, a Gibraltar-registered platform based in Abu Dhabi, as its official prediction market partner for the 2026 World Cup. Users can make predictions on match results, player performances, and tournament statistics.
Police said, based on their understanding, the platform is only available to registered residents in certain European jurisdictions. People in Hong Kong would not be legally permitted to use it.
Risks for Young People
Police psychologist Woo Chin-pang said gambling among teenagers causes more than financial harm. It can lead to depression, mental disorders, and in some cases suicide attempts.
One patient, a 24-year-old known as Ah Hin, started gambling on esports and football as a teenager. Within a year, he had built up a debt of around HK$160,000, despite earning HK$18,000 to HK$19,000 a month.
He said foreign betting sites drew him in with incentives and promotions. Small bets of HK$5 and HK$20 quickly escalated into bets worth thousands.
Police also warned that illegal syndicates are believed to be controlled by triads. Gamblers who fall into debt may be pressured into handing over their bank accounts or carrying out other criminal acts.
Police are urging residents, especially young people, not to underestimate how quickly self-control can be lost during major tournaments.
